Is this a sailing holiday? No. You're joining as crew to learn to sail this boat. If you're not prepared to get stuck in as part of a crew team, to work hard and learn new skills, this isn't for you. We know there's a lot to take in, and if you don't get it at first we'll explain again and again and again until you're happy, but you need to be prepared to put some effort in. We work in watches where you will sail for three hours, then have six hours off, so you do get time to chat, relax, listen to CDs, watch the sea go by, but if you want to really get stuck in there are always jobs to be done on the James Cook.

What will we do? You’ll be split up into teams (‘watches’) of four each led by one of the JC’s mates and will take it in turns to sail the James Cook. Slipping moorings, setting the sails, lookout duty, your first turn on the helm, trimming the sails, a turn at the navigation table, filling in the logbook, making a brew of tea for your mates on deck...it’s real hands-on sailing from the moment you step aboard. No amount of reading or TV can prepare you for sailing a yacht on the open sea, especially a big, powerful yacht like the James Cook. It's thrilling, awe-inspiring and challenging as your watch masters sailing the boat. Read 'A week aboard the James Cook' by our skipper Steve Lennon.

Is she safe? Your safety is our very first concern. Check out our safety page. The James Cook carries the most up to date safety gear and is scrupulously maintained. The yacht is independently inspected every year, and our sea staff are professional yachtsmen and women who have been police vetted. The James Cook has safely sailed right around the world.

Do I need previous experience or special kit? No. We will provide you with waterproofs and safety gear, and when you book we'll send you a kit list and joining instructions - what to bring and where to meet us. We're used to people joining who've never been on a boat before, so we'll teach you all you need to know for a safe, enjoyable voyage.

Will I get seasick? You might on the first day, but in our experience you'll get over it quickly and should be fine by day two, especially if you follow our advice, which is to avoid chocolate, sugary sweets and fizzy pop.

What's the food like? Well, you'll be helping us cook it, and we pride ourselves on our cookin' on the Cook. We buy good quality fresh food and offer a vegetarian option. After a few hours on deck in the fresh air you'll be ravenous. There is always fresh fruit available for snacking in between meals. We discourage eating sweets and chocolate aboard because they make you chuck.

Will we see dolpins? We often see dolphins and porpoise from the deck of the James Cook. Sometimes we're really lucky and spot a pod of Minke whales, and if we sail close to the Farne Islands you're guaranteed to see Grey Seals. According to this article, dolpins are becoming more common in the North Sea.

Why is the boat called the James Cook? Because James Cook (1728-1779) was one of the greatest sailors, explorers and navigators ever, and he was born and learned his sailing in Yorkshire and the North East. He was born in Marton near Middlesbrough, served as an apprentice shopboy in Staithes, North Yorkshire then aged 18 went to Whitby where he became an apprentice seaman. He learned his seamanship on colliers (coal carrying boats) sailing between Newcastle and London. He turned down his own command and joined the Royal Navy and went on to sail around the world three times, charting unknown coastlines. King George III personally awarded him a family motto. Cook chose 'Leave Nothing Unattempted' : not bad for the son of a farm labourer. Read more about the remarkable life of James Cook here.

Anything else you'd like to know? Click to email a question to our office.